Sheriff’s deputies rescue stranded San Diego hiker in Palm Springs

A San Diego man got separated from a friend during a hike near the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, sprained his ankle and was later rescued by two helicopters, a sergeant said today.

Sheriff’s deputies received a call at 12:40 p.m. Saturday about the hiker who also bumped his head when he stumbled along the Skyline Trail. The hiker, Louie Terrazas, sent a text message to his wife who then alerted deputies, Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Richard Beatty said.

Deputies, state park rangers and the crew of a sheriff’s helicopter scrambled to find Terrazas. By 3:16 p.m., the helicopter crew spotted Terrazas. Park rangers were flown to the location and found Terrazas severely sprained

his ankle and suffered a minor head injury.

The hiker was flown by a second helicopter crew by 6 p.m. to a hospital for treatment of his injuries, Beatty said.